New COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1: Symptoms, Spread, and What You Need to Know in 2025
Overview
A new COVID-19 variant, identified as NB.1.8.1, has recently emerged and is drawing international attention due to its increasing prevalence, particularly in China, and its detection in the United States and other countries.
So if you have a condition that puts you at risk, it’s worth getting vaccinated if it’s been more than six months since your last vaccine or bout of COVID, Adalja advises. He also added that those who are low-risk likely do not need to go out and get another shot. (HuffPost)
Sources and References:
1. Emergence and Spread of NB.1.8.1
- Origin and Detection: NB.1.8.1 was first identified as a significant driver of rising COVID-19 cases in China. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed its presence in the United States, though as of late May 2025, fewer than 20 cases had been reported domestically.
- Global Spread: The World Health Organization (WHO) and multiple health authorities have noted that NB.1.8.1 is now spreading worldwide, with cases reported in several countries. Its rapid dissemination has raised concerns about potential increases in COVID-19 cases in various regions.
2. Variant Characteristics
- Genetic Profile: NB.1.8.1 is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage, featuring several mutations in the spike protein. These mutations may enhance its ability to evade immune responses, although current evidence suggests it does not cause more severe illness compared to previous Omicron subvariants.
- Transmission: Early data indicate that NB.1.8.1 is highly transmissible, contributing to spikes in case numbers where it becomes dominant.
- Compared to the currently dominant variant in the U.S. (LP.8.1), NB.1.8.1 has a handful of new mutations on the spike protein that may enhance its ability to bind to our cells, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
3. Symptoms and Unique Features
- General Symptoms: The clinical presentation of NB.1.8.1 largely mirrors that of other Omicron variants, with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches.
- According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious diseases expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, NB.1.8.1’s symptoms are pretty much the same as those seen with other SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Unique Symptom: Some reports highlight a unique symptom associated with NB.1.8.1: a pronounced, persistent sore throat. This symptom appears to be more common or severe than in previous variants, though more research is needed to confirm this trend.
4. Prevention and Management
- Preventive Measures: Standard COVID-19 precautions remain effective: mask-wearing in crowded or high-risk settings, nasal and hand hygiene, mouth gargle, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals.
- Symptom Relief: For those experiencing the unique sore throat, recommended relief measures include staying hydrated, using throat lozenges and mouth gargles, and employing humidifiers.
- As for when you should go to an urgent care or emergency room? When you have chest pain, have a hard time waking up or staying awake, or feel confused and disoriented, the CDC advises. “If you have COVID or COVID-like illness and have worsening trouble breathing or chest pain, you should be evaluated at your doctor’s office, urgent care or the ER,” Dr. Zachary Hoy (a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, Tennessee) said.
5. How effective are the vaccines against NB.1.8.1?
It’s too early to know exactly how effective the shots are — as the research on NB.1.8.1 is limited since it’s so new — but scientists expect the shots to hold up well. NB.1.8.1 broke off from the Omicron JN.1 lineage, which the 2024-2025 vaccines target. “The ability of the vaccines to prevent severe illness is intact though protection versus infection is limited and transient,” Dr. Amesh Adalja (an infectious diseases expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security) said.So if you have a condition that puts you at risk, it’s worth getting vaccinated if it’s been more than six months since your last vaccine or bout of COVID, Adalja advises. He also added that those who are low-risk likely do not need to go out and get another shot. (HuffPost)
Discuss with your trusted medical provider with regard to the potential benefits and risks.
5. Public Health Implications
- Surveillance and Response: Health agencies, including the CDC and WHO, are closely monitoring the spread and evolution of NB.1.8.1. They emphasize the importance of genomic surveillance and international cooperation to track and respond to emerging variants.
- Outlook: While NB.1.8.1 is not currently associated with increased severity or hospitalizations, its rapid spread underscores the need for continued vigilance and public health readiness.
Conclusion
The NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant is contributing to a resurgence of cases in China and has been detected in the United States and other countries. While it shares many characteristics with previous Omicron sub-variants, it may cause a more pronounced sore throat. Preventive measures and treatments remain effective, but global health authorities are maintaining close surveillance to respond swiftly to any changes in the variant's behavior or impact.Early treatment is critical and the most important factor in managing this disease. COVID-19 is a clinical diagnosis; a confirmed antigen or PCR test is not required. Treatment should be initiated immediately after the onset of flu-like symptoms. The multiple therapies and drugs in this protocol have different mechanisms of action and work synergistically during various phases of the disease.
At present, the Independent Medical Alliance (previously FLCCC) seems to have one of the best treatment protocols for COVID treatment. It’s called I-CARE protocol.
Action Steps for the Public:
- Stay informed through reputable health sources.
- Maintain up-to-date vaccinations.
- Continue practicing standard COVID-19 precautions, especially in high-risk settings.
- Seek medical advice if experiencing persistent or severe symptoms.
Sources and References:
- https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/cdc-confirms-new-covid-variant-in-us-amid-resurgence-in-china-5863598
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-most-common-covid-symptoms-nb181_l_68374648e4b004530c699376
- https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/new-covid-variant-nb-1-8-1-starting-to-spread-worldwide-what-we-know-5865571
- https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/new-covid-19-variant-may-be-driving-up-cases-in-some-parts-of-the-world-who-says-5864603
- https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/new-covid-variant-has-unique-symptom-how-to-prevent-and-relieve-it-5866042
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